Mustangs look to enter 2015 more organized, talented

Grapevine continued its spring football workouts this week. The Mustangs are grinding their way toward their spring game on May 29 at Mustang-Panther Stadium.

Head coach Randy Jackson said his team has been going in full pads pretty much since the team started workouts on April 30. Jackson said his primary focus is making sure his team much more fundamentally sound in its tackling. He said that’s one part of his team that has to improve from where it was last year.

However, the Mustangs are in a position where their talent level is also better and the players have a better idea of what Jackson and his staff want on a daily basis. Jackson called the offseason program demanding but very productive. It developed a work ethic that he has desired wherever he has coached.

Grapevine began the 2014 season at 0-5 and surrendered at least 29 points in each of those games. However, there is some optimism that the Mustangs can get off to a better start this fall.

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There are no changes in the non-district season. Grapevine still plays North Crowley, Colleyville Heritage, Weatherford and Fort Worth Arlington Heights. Experience in the skill position players makes the difference.

Ralph Lauren McCauley (6-1, 185): The senior-to-be accounted for 796 total offensive yards (483 rushing, 313 receiving) in 2014. He’s also emerged as a pretty solid Division I recruit. However, he doesn’t have any offers. Jackson wants to take advantage McCauley’s athletic ability. McCauley has the ability to take a seven-yard slant and go 67 yards for a touchdown.

“He could have a big year,” Jackson said. “It’s my responsibility to make sure we get him the football. He looks like a team leader. You need a guy who can be a home-run guy.”

Jackson believes McCauley’s summer could enable him to receive some Division I offers.

Madux Middaugh (5-10, 170): Another senior-to-be who grew into the position in 2014. He led all receivers in receptions (58) and yards (662) and added three touchdowns. Jackson expects Middaugh to take another step as a receiver who can move the chains for first downs but also create big plays.

Jacobi White (5-8, 175): The senior running back went through a pretty consistent season in 2014 when he rushed for 678 yards and 5.1 yards per carry. He also contributed in the passing game with more than 100 receiving yards. Although he is not the biggest player, White has found a way to take advantage of his size. Jackson also likes the way he handles blocking assignments.

“He hits the holes better, so he’s really doing a great job,” Jackson said. “Right now, he’s just working on being the complete back for us.”

Colleyville Heritage update

The Panthers are also winding down spring football. Their spring game is Friday. Of course, the program went through a dramatic week recently when head coach Darren Allman resigned to become the athletic director for the Carroll ISD.

GCISD leadership named defensive coordinator Judd Thrash as the interim head coach. One of the staples of this team will be running back Jamarie Williams. However, this team had to retool its entire receiver corps and secondary.